ENGL 1101 - Fall 2020 - Hip-Hop Reader - PEASE
Na'Derria White
Dr, Aron Pease
English 1101
21 September 2020
Music is one of the few things that is universal that keeps people in some ways connected to each other. With that there are several genres with hip-hop being the most diverse and controversial, but nothing less than great. The music video I am analysing is No Love by Eminem ft. Lil Wayne samples “What is Love'' by Haddaway. It is mentioned on Tracia Rose’s Rap Music, “sampled b-beats was diverse as contemporary rap music, drawing among others, New Orleans jazz...also use beats from European disco bands....”(17) So it was common to hear samples in rap song from a different genre Born to this world is an artist Marshall Mathers, he is better known from his stage name Eminem . He is one of the most famous hip-hop artists for generations to come, being discovered by the hip hop icon Dr. Dre he went on to have a successful career in the music industry. A proud native of Louisiana born Dwayne Carter is one of the greatest artists not to mention very influential. He is better known as Lil Wayne a name he adapted from himself, Lil Wayne found success at a young age beginning his career as a teenager. Lil Wayne albums have been certified platinum and he continues to have a successful career in music and he continues to be famous and popular.
Furthermore it only makes sense that two of the greatest hip hop artists would collaborate and make music together. This song brings awareness to problems kids-teenagers face during school, which is bullying. The video tells the story of a troubled young boy as he is being taunted by a group of bullies. The young boy is smaller than those who are bothering him throughout the video; he is often alone and doesn't seem to have any friends. It is often sad and surprising what is going on that these kids were so cruel and violent towards one of their classmates. In one scene his belongings are taken away and thrown in the toilet in the school bathroom. When he tries to stop them and get his things back he is held back and punched in the face. Although it is unclear how long the bullying has been happening, it is evident that he is tired of it because he seems to avoid them and looks sad the majority of the time.
However it is not until later on that his mother is aware of the bruises on his face and becomes concerned. It is the father who tells him he needs to fight back and stand up for himself. In the end that is exactly what he did when the bullies tried to mess with him he fought back the hardest, and actually ended up injuring the main bully. It was unspoken but those other boys will never mess with the main character of the video again.
In Lil Wayne's verse he is talking about being at a low point in his life. It's conflicting, he acknowledges he is down but still has the means to fight back. He references being broken bottles on his night stand but his bible is there beside it so still having faith in troubling situations. It's safe to say that he is a genius when it comes to using metaphors and making connections and using those connections for challenges we face in life. Eminem verus is more aggressive; he essentially went in for the kill, still saying that the situation is only temporary but when it's over he is coming after those who wronged him. He also mentions those around who witness everything that was going on but did nothing about it, so they can be held accountable to. In Tricia Rose’s Rap Music “In every region, hip hop articulates a sense of entitlement and takes pleasure in aggressive insubordination.” (26) That explains Eminem aggressiveness in her verses.
Overall both artists were stating in both their versus there can be no love after everything has happened, however they are still able to move forward in life. Furthermore this was a significant video psa about bullying and standing up for yourself.
Language and Narrative
Na'Derria White
Music is still one of the few things that keep everyone connected, since its universal people are able to share a connection. Hip-Hop is one one of the most influential and controversial genres of music compared to the other genres. Hip-Hop is also diverse with their artist ranging from different sounds and backgrounds. Another thing that makes this genre stand out from the rest is the potential figurative language artists use in their raps. This particular artist born Bobby Ray Simmons Jr, also known by his stage name B.O.B was discovered by a producer and later signed to a major record label Grand Hustle Records. B.O.B has been nominated for many awards and has won awards from his albums and the work he has produced. B.O.B continues to have a promising career while collaborating with other artists from other genres of music outside of rap making him diverse. Furthermore it would only make sense for him to collaborate with one of the best artists in the rap game. A proud native of Louisiana born Dwayne Carter is one of the greatest artists not to mention very influential. He is better known as Lil Wayne, a name he adapted from himself.
The name of the song we will be discussing is called E.T by B.O.B featuring Lil Wayne. This particular song is on his album Ether, the title of the song foreshadows what the song is actually about which is being an E.T or an alien. The song deals with emotions that he doesn't belong or fit in with everyone else so he uses the metaphor, comparing himself to E.T that he is not from earth and this is why he doesn't belong. A particular lyric that stands out is ”I’m like a Michelangelo painting that hangs in the vault”, when B.O.B made this ironic remark it spoke volumes of his mindset of being great but also being overlooked or an outkast. When he makes this statement about Michelangelo who is also a famous artist who has done many bodies of work and painting. For the world not to see his beautiful masterpieces and his work to essentially go unnoticed because it's in a vault locked up. Throughout the song he creates an amazing imagery taking you through the emotions he is feeling he makes references to other famous artists going through similar traits like the line of insanity and fame. Also several similes were made between B.O.B and Lil wayne, he compares Norman Bates to being awkward and being a young jedi on the red eye. This song can become deep as the song expresses potential emotions that come with individuals that feel like they are not normal, so being alone and unnoticed. Another great metaphor used by Wayne is that he states “ But nothing is far fetched when the underdog’s barking”.
Furthermore when he states “ Rap God, I should have my own prayer line amen, ray bands” this comparison is significant because he holds himself in high regard as far as his music is concerned, and taking that extra step to being godly. However at the same time the moral of the song is that he feels unwanted and overlooked, being a God is the complete opposite people pray to you and believe you. Therefore they hold you in the utmost respect and will never think of you as being an E.T or that you do not belong. This is one of the lyrics that stood out the most throughout this song, this comparison he made was just as good as Michangelo. Lil Wayne has a unique approach to the situation of being an extraterrestrial; he states “ I fear what I don't understand and that would be my own fear, and they don't understand me. I know I don't belong here Tunechi.” This sets the mood for an allusion to be created, he is acknowledging that he fears what he doesn't understand and in return that is his own fear. He goes on to say that he is in fact different but perhaps he is better and not average and this is why he doesn't belong.
As the song goes on another verse that stands out by Wayne when he says “ Oh my God is the martian stuntin in them son of mars Jordans its must be the shoes, the stars in the skies wont start em.” This metaphor is genius on Wayne behalf referring to the basketball superstar and legend Michael Jordan, who played in his signature shoes Jordans. Wayne made this comparison to Jordan because it was thought he was out of this world when it came to him playing, so for him saying the stars in the sky wont start him would be unbelievable. Overall this song was personal for B.O.B writing lyrics where he felt he was alien and unwanted, but at the same time comparing himself to some of the greatest artists of time. Plenty of figurative language can be found throughout the song between the two artists, Lil Wayne does a phenomenal job with his versus and comparing superstars such as Michael Jordan and making reference to being awkward like Norman Bates.
Week 12
For this assignment we will be discussing two female rap artists who are currently active in the music industry. Kimberly Jones would grow up and become a powerhouse to the world and find major success, better known as her stage name Lil Kim. It should come as no surprise that Lil Kim would become a superstar and influence female and other artists alike. She is known for her bold personality and her fierce lyrics not to mention she is a fashion icon. Our next artist goes by her stage name Nicki Minaj but was born as Onika Maraj who is from Trinidad but was raised in Queens. Minaj also found success in the music industry after being discovered by Lil Wayne she has gone on to put out albums. She has also found success in the acting world appearing in movies and skits. When we talk about these two talented and successful women we can't help but compare them to one another. Both Kim and Minaj are from New York and were both discovered by legendary rap artist Kim being discovered by Notorious B.I.G and Minaj by Lil Wayne. However not many female rappers were out or able to become fashion icons and express themselves and in a way such as Lil Kim, she wore risky and sexing clothing in her videos during a time where it was male dominated and still felt comfortable to do so. Nicki Minaj was also later to express herself in a similar manner rather if it was with her hair or clothing or particular look she wanted to achieve.
It’s safe to say that women were viewed as second class citizens to their male counterparts and even in some cases inferior. So we take this same concept of women having rights and equal opportunity and apply it to any industry, including the music industry. Feminst movement has grown over the years and gain recognition through social media and people who have a platform. The main objective of feminst is supporting and protecting all women, so this includes Lil Kim and Nicki Minja expressing their sexuality, femine through their clothes and lyrics and body.
Comparative and Contrast Essay
Feminism in the Music Industry
It’s safe to say that women were viewed as second class citizens to their male counterparts and even in some cases inferior. So we take this same concept of women having rights and equal opportunity and apply it to any industry, including the music industry. Feminst movement has grown over the years and gain recognition through social media and people who have a platform. The main objective of feminst is supporting and protecting all women, so this includes Lil Kim and Nicki Minja expressing their sexuality, femine through their clothes and aggressive lyrics and body.
However, not many female rappers were out or able to become fashion icons and express themselves and in a way such as Lil Kim, she wore risky and sexing clothing in her videos and to awards shows during a time where it was male dominated and still felt comfortable to do so. According to Independent, a United Kingdom’s magazine, “In one of the most iconic VMA fashion moments of all time, Lil Kim shut down the red carpet with this one-shouldered jumpsuit and matching sequin nipple pasties”.Young, Sarah. “MTV 
Years later, Nicki Minaj also expressed herself in a similar manner rather if it was with her hair or clothing or her lyrics or particular look she wanted to achieve. The rapper was known always for her crazy outfits and bold lyrics. In her song, Anaconda, Nicki expresses, “Come through and f*** him in my automobile. Let him eat it with his grills, he keep telling me to chill. He keep telling me its real, that he love my sex appeal”. In her song that samples Baby Got Back by Sir-Mix-A Lot (which is about women with big butts), Nicki decides to emphasize and celebrate women with curvy bodies, and black women bodies. According to The Young Folks, “‘She doesn’t respect herself, twerking all over the place’......If she wants to twerk, she should do it. If she wants to wear pajamas, she should do it. Isn’t that what feminism is all about? Being free as a woman to do what YOU want? Men are respected if they have a girlfriend or if they have one-night stands every weekend – it doesn’t matter what they do, they are still viewed as people”. Villalba, Luciana. “ Nicki Minaj, Feminism and the Message Behind ‘Anaconda.’” The Young Folks, 30 Aug. 2014. This magazine is saying Nicki Minaj should do what she wants to do. She should be able to twerk and still be viewed as people, nothing less. Exactly how men are treated regardless of what they do. Also the lyrics cited, She clearly is stating an sexual encounter she had and she told it like how a male rapper would: bluntly and uncensored. Although her lyrics were bold, so were also her outfits in the video. Throughout the Anaconda video, Nicki goes through a few outfit changes. One was a gold chain-mail top and tiny black shorts. Another was a teeny-tiny pink thong and matching bra, She also changed into a pink bathing suit. The outfits help display Nicki Minaj in a sexy way showing she is embracing her curvy body and her sexuailty. One of the outfits is shown below
Although Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj were showing that they could rap while embracing their body, Queen Latifiah had a different approach. Latifiah had a tomboy-ish look and rapped about what was going on around her. According to Essence, “….Jersey native ushered in a regal look that was the antithesis of what most women in hip-hop we’re wearing at the time. Queen Latifah stayed away from skimpy dresses, overly hard tomboyish looks and the ubiquitous gold chains. Her name alone, sans the MC prefix, hinted to us that this female rapper was an original and not just a female version of what men want to hear and see. To further drive home that point, Queen Latifah adorned herself with crowns and Afrocentric jewelry, and wore a uniform of various black military inspired suits with flat ridding boots”. Phanor-Faury, Alexandra. “Black Women In Hollywood: Queen Latifah's Style File.” Essence, 23 Feb. 2010. www.essence.com/awards-events/red-carpet/queen-latifah-style/. This expressed that Queen Latifah wanted to be the opposite of most women in hip hop like Nicki Minaj or Lil Kim. She wanted to also advocate sexism in the music industry in her lyrics. This below is a image of Queen Latifah rapping days.
Instead of being the image the media wanted and embracing it, Queen wanted to change the image completely, “In many music videos of the time, women like this wore as little as possible and gyrated or sulked in whatever way best pleased the alpha male rapping the lyrics (the point of view in hip-hop was still overwhelmingly male.) This wasn’t empowerment through sexual expression. It was sexist hate speech. Queen Latifah wasn’t having it, though. By the early '90s, she had already become a success as a skilled MC with a different kind of political agenda: feminism. Her first two albums, All Hail the Queen and Nature of a Sista, are filled with songs about the power of women and the respect they command. On her most popular early single, “Ladies First,” which came out in 1990, Latifah teamed up with British-born female rapper Monie Love to champion the strength of women at home, at work, and as a force for social change”. Queen clearly doesn't like the fact the women are used in music videos as “props” to make the male rappers look more alpha. Her songs also encourage women empowerment to make sure women are seen more than a man’s armcandy.Rudulph, Heather Wood. “Why Beyoncé, Nicki, & Taylor Owe A Debt To Queen Latifah.” Refinery29, 5 Aug. 2015. Queen Latifah wants the sexism towards women to change the in the music industry while female rappers like Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj wants to show that women can do what men do in the music industry while embracing their sexuailty.
Overall women suffrage has come a long way giving rise to the femenist movement seeking equality and protection for women of all backgrounds. Which led to the rise of female artists such as Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj and allowing them to express themselves through their music. As well as their clothes and hair in the music industry compared to their male counterparts and proving to be more than enough to be .
Work Cited
www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/33734/1/why-lil-kim-s-hard-core-is-as-relevant-as-ever
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/vma-iconic-outfits-dresses-best-red-carpet-a9696126.html.
www.theyoungfolks.com/review/38651/nicki-minaj-feminism-and-the-message-behind-anaconda/.
www.essence.com/awards-events/red-carpet/queen-latifah-style/.
www.refinery29.com/en-us/2015/08/91904/queen-latifah-unity-feminist-legacy